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Bobby Wagner made a final decision on his future with the Washington Commanders ahead of 2026 NFL free agency.
He’s no longer the force he once was, but Bobby Wagner remains a valuable leader for the Washington Commanders, so the team will welcome the 35-year-old making a final decision about his future before 2026 NFL free agency.
Wagner, a 10-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker, “fully intends to continue playing for a 15th NFL season in 2026,” according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
Sources: #Commanders 11-time All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner, the Walter Payton Man of the Year award winner, fully intends to continue playing for a 15th NFL season in 2026.
The future Hall of Famer started all 17 games again this past season, recording 162 tackles, 2 INTs and 4.5
The decision brings to end any speculation about where Wagner will land once free agency begins on Wednesday, March 11. He had been linked with several NFC teams, including a rival from their own division.
Wagner staying put is a boost for the Commanders early in an offseason process when the franchise must make boosting talent on defense a priority. He remains a key member of a unit set to undergo a major schematic shift under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones.
A Jones-called defense will feature the sophisticated package of blitzes and disguised coverages he learned under Brian Flores with the Minnesota Vikings. This complex system will need an on-field signal-caller as shrewd and experienced as Wagner, although genuine questions remains about the 14-year pro’s ability to still keep pace against present-day offenses.
Bobby Wagner Welcome Back After Trying Season
One person in no doubt about Wagner’s enduring value is Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. He told reporters at the Scouting Combine, “we love Wagz. One of may favorite ones this year was just getting the chance to visit with him after him winning the Walter Payton Man of the Year, like, so proud. And so, we haven’t got into the specifics of what’s ahead and where we’re at with that yet, so that’ll be in the days and weeks to come,” per JP Finlay of NBC4 Sports.
It looks like Wagner has already made up his mind about what comes next. It’s good news for Quinn, who has been relying on No. 54 at the heart of front sevens since his days in charge of the legendary ‘Legion of Boom’ for the Seattle Seahawks.
Wagner isn’t the player he was back in those days, but he’s still a capable thumper in the guard-center-guard box. Where his struggles have become more apparent is in space.
That’s perhaps understandable, but Wagner was a major liability in coverage last season. He was burned for three touchdowns and allowed 12.1 yards per completion through the air, according to Pro Football Reference.
Teams became fond of isolating Wagner against running backs and tight ends. They forced him to run laterally or vertically, not downhill, where he’s at his best.
Jones must change the remit for Wagner and create more opportunities for him to play an attacking role.
Daronte Jones Needs Veterans to Make New Commanders Defense Work
The Jones playbook will feature plenty of pages dedicated to increasing pressure on offenses, but putting the theory into practice won’t be easy. It will require veteran players to make the myriad schemes work, so Wagner can play a vital role, even if his snap count gets reduced.
He could see less playing time if Quinn’s prediction about third-year pro Jordan Magee comes true. Younger, more athletic Magee has the traits of a modern linebacker, so he should see more playing time, but he’ll still lean on Wagner’s experience.
Using personnel in more creative ways will be key to how Jones changes things defensively for the Commanders. Refining Wagner’s role to run downs and blitz situations would make his 15th season a success.
James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko
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